The Role of the Cortex in Conscious and Unconscious Dream Processes: Experimental Evidence and Neurobiological Approach
Begum Yildirim
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) May 19, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20282876 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Argues that the cortex, especially the prefrontal cortex, plays a variable role in dream processes depending on the level of consciousness, contrasting conscious (lucid) and unconscious (normal) dreaming in light of current experimental brain imaging findings. |
Abstract
Dreams remain one of the most intriguing phenomena in psychology and neuroscience. Recent brain imaging studies have revealed that the cortex—especially the prefrontal cortex—plays a variable role in dream processes depending on the level of consciousness. This article discusses the role of the cortex in conscious (lucid) and unconscious (normal) dream processes in light of current experimental findings. Originality and AI-use statement: This work is an original research output by Begüm Yıldırım. AI tools, if used, were limited to language refinement, grammar correction, formatting, translation assistance, and clarity improvement. The conceptual framework, research direction, interpretation, models, and conclusions belong to the author. External sources, datasets, or prior works are cited where applicable.